Court denies Northwestern's motion to dismiss Pat Fitzgerald wrongful termination lawsuit

The ongoing legal action between former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald and the university will remain in progress following a key ruling on Tuesday.

According to a statement from Fitzgerald’s attorneys released by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Northwestern’s motion to dismiss the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Fitzgerald was denied today in Cook County circuit court.

The case can now proceed, set for trial in April 2025. Fitzgerald is seeking more than $130 million in damages.

“Today, we were pleased to receive the Circuit Court of Cook County’s decision (see attached) denying defendants Northwestern University and University President Michael Schill‘s motion to dismiss our client Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s complaint,” Fitzgerald’s attorneys wrote.

“Defendants moved to dismiss the entirety of our detailed 51-page complaint and the Court has now denied that motion completely, deciding the case will move forward in full.”

Fitzgerald was fired last summer after spending 17 years as head coach when allegations of a hazing scandal within the program surfaced.

Northwestern and Schill had originally issued a two-week suspension to Fitzgerald, only to later change their minds and issue a full termination.

Fitzgerald immediately lawyered up.

“As we set forth in announcing our complaint in October 2023, defendants’ actions have exacted terrible, immeasurable costs to Coach Fitzgerald, his family, and his career,” the statement Tuesday read. “As a result of that conduct, we had no choice but to file our complaint for breach of oral contract, breach of his employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, false light, and tortious interference with a business expectancy.

“The suit seeks in excess of $130 million in compensatory damages and as-yet unspecified damages for emotional distress and punitive damages.”

Fitzgerald served as Northwestern’s head coach for 17 years, putting together a 110-101 overall record and a 65-76 mark in Big Ten play. He led the Wildcats to 10 bowl games, winning five of them, including the last four the program appeared in.

While a suit won’t necessarily put Fitzgerald back in charge of the program, it could go a long way toward restoring his legacy.

“Because the entire motion to dismiss was denied today, our plan is clear and straightforward — we are going to move this case forward and expeditiously to trial, which is set for April 7, 2025,” the statement concluded. “We will take all steps necessary to pursue Coach Fitzgerald’s serious claims and to protect his rights, name, and reputation.”